Coles Bailey, also known by his Instagram handle @shithed02, is a name that’s been buzzing in the skateboarding scene, particularly in New York City’s East Village. This 21-year-old, with his signature mustache and infectious smile, is not just another skater; he’s a key figure in the Homies Network and Star Team, two crews deeply rooted in the Tompkins Square Park culture. Now riding for Alltimers, Coles has been turning heads with his unique skating style, recently showcased in the Bronztimers tour video and a double part with Stafhon Boca. In his first-ever web interview, we dive deep into Coles’ world, discussing everything from his unusual name to his thoughts on NYC’s skate spots and beyond.
Coles Bailey skating
Radcliff Coles Bailey: A Name with a Story
The first thing that grabs attention about Coles is his first name, which sounds plural: Coles. However, his birth name is actually Radcliff. He explains that his grandfather and father also share the name Radcliff, causing confusion within the family. As a result, they nicknamed him Coles after his grandmother’s maiden name. So, Radcliff Coles Bailey is the full name of this up-and-coming skate star.
Tompkins Square Park: Love It or Leave It?
When asked to play the classic ‘fuck, marry, kill’ game with skate spots, Coles had some strong opinions. He quickly dismissed Blue Park, stating he doesn’t even go there. He chose to “marry” the Lower East Side (LES) spot, acknowledging its undeniable skate-ability, while reserving a “fuck” for Tompkins. Despite not being ideal for certain tricks, Tompkins possesses a unique vibe that Coles appreciates.
Coles Bailey at a skate spot
Navigating the Challenges of NYC Skate Life
Even for the most experienced skaters, a day at Tompkins can be unpredictable. Coles recounts how he would handle stepping in dog poop at the park: finding a stick and rinsing his shoe in a nearby fountain (a solution he admits might not be the most sanitary, given NYC’s questionable water quality). He also has strong opinions about the infamous public bathrooms at Tompkins, which he has never dared to enter in all his years of skating there.
East Village Nights and Sober Choices
Despite the lively bar scene in the East Village, Coles doesn’t drink. After an incident when he was younger, he now takes medication for epilepsy, making alcohol a no-go. However, he still enjoys socializing with friends in outdoor spaces where he can smoke weed. He also admits to being shy and avoiding karaoke, although his roommate regularly tries to get him to sing “Candy” by Cameo, a song that he finds surprisingly good.
Coles Bailey skating
Skateboarding Influences and the Journey to New York
Coles remembers the first pro skater he saw in real life as Sage Elsesser, at Tompkins, and how this inspired him to learn ollies over trash cans. When Cherry came out, Coles admits he was more into other trends like Supra and King of the Road. He did not even understand the influence of Supreme at that point. Growing up in Atlanta, he recalls skating at a DGK shop with a mini ramp, before moving to New York at the age of eight or nine.
From Baseball to Skateboarding
An old photo on Coles’ Instagram notes him as both a skateboarder and baseball player. However, upon moving to New York, baseball took a back seat. He used to play catcher and second base for around five years. While he used to be good, he acknowledges that he would not be able to hold his own on the diamond anymore, as the pitching speeds are intimidating.
Alltimers and The Skit: Goofy Times with Stafhon
Coles discussed the filming of the intro skit with Stafhon for Timers. He found it goofy and difficult to not laugh while eating on camera, resulting in about ten or eleven takes. He joked that he would be a terrible actor. If given another chance, he would have had Soldier Jerk, a Jamaican restaurant he loves, in front of him.
The Unique Style: Thrifted Tees and Painted Shoes
Coles’ style is another aspect that sets him apart. He avoids washing his jeans, wearing them until they’re worn out. He also loves thrifting for black t-shirts and has built up a collection of unique designs. He also sprays his shoes black to minimize distractions while skating. He explains that when not wearing skate shoes, he prefers Doc Martens over sneakers. He also admits he prefers Vans Sk8 hi’s and Chukka lows.
From Labor to Alltimers: Navigating the Skate Scene
Coles credits Labor Skate Shop and Hotel Blue as his first big sponsors. While Nick Vonn used to hook him up with gear, his initial footage was in the Lurk NYC videos. His move to Alltimers came after he and Kyota Umeki left Frog, after Kyota was kicked off the team for reasons unknown. Coles expressed that he couldn’t support the decision, and left out of loyalty to his friend. Despite the circumstances, there are no hard feelings between Coles and Frog’s Chris Milic.
The IPod Video and Future Projects
Coles also spoke about the Ipod video, which he says came from Kyota’s love for the unique quality. He also shared that there is another video in development with an IPod and a long lens and fisheye attachment, showcasing the innovative spirit of their crew.
New York, New Perspectives, and the Love for Skate Spots
While Coles admits to feeling like he’s “skated a lot of shit” in New York, he still loves skating there. However, after skating out of town, he now sees the value of spending an entire day at a single spot instead of forcing clips in a crowded city.
Triple Heelflips and the Rules of Skateboarding
When asked about triple heelflips, Coles admits he has tried but hasn’t landed one. When it comes to illegal tricks, he has a strong stance against no bonelesses, grabs, and no complies. He does, however, make an exception for these tricks on transitions, and also thinks hand plants are valid.
The Drake and Kendrick Beef vs. The Diddy Situation
When the conversation shifted to the Drake and Kendrick beef, Coles seemed uninterested. He was more concerned about the serious allegations against Diddy. He refers to the accusations of molestation and grooming by the music mogul as “fucked up,”. He also notes that he didn’t watch Nickelodeon, as he was a Cartoon Network kid who loved Courage the Cowardly Dog and Ben 10.
NYU Douchebag Encounters and Celebrity Interactions
Coles has had some notable encounters with NYU students and celebrities. He recalls an incident where a friend punched an NYU frat guy after the latter started talking trash. He also recounted his chance meeting with Andre 3000 on Bond St. and even got a selfie with the musician. He has also met Tommy Wright the 3rd.
Desert Island Choice: The Survivor
If stranded on a deserted island, Coles would choose Connor Preblick from the Homies Network. He believes that he is a survivor. Finally, he shared that he doesn’t have an ego.
Conclusion
Coles Bailey’s journey from Atlanta to the East Village is a testament to his talent, style, and loyalty. He’s not just a skateboarder; he’s a cultural force, pushing the boundaries of what it means to be part of the New York skate scene. With his unique perspective and unwavering dedication, Coles is undoubtedly one to watch in the world of skateboarding.
Interview by: Ben Komins
Photos Courtesy of: Zach Baker, Daniel Weiss and Wilson Lucas
